Everyone wishes batteries could last forever. But they don't — especially HVAC thermostat batteries. How often they need to be replaced or charged depends on several factors. But not changing or charging when needed creates more issues than switching the batteries. Here we'll share how you can tell when the batteries are low, how to change them, and what happens if you ignore the low battery messages. How… Read more »
Most homes and businesses rely on air conditioning to provide cool comfort indoors when the temperature outside rises. And by extension, they depend on the AC refrigerant flowing inside the system. Here we’ll go over what refrigerant is, common types used in air conditioners, how refrigerant works, and signs you may have a leak. What is Refrigerant? Refrigerant is the chemical inside your air conditioner… Read more »
Spring is near, and so is the time to clean! While you pull brooms, mops, and dustpans from the closets, remember to add drain cleaning to your list. Here we’ll talk about why you should spring clean the drains, five household drains to focus on, and how to clean them with household items. Why Should Spring Cleaning Involve Drains? A busy holiday season and cozy winter days eventually lead into warmer… Read more »
We’re not ready for the AC season yet, but it’s just around the corner. Sometimes older ACs don’t work as expected when they haven’t operated in a while, such as after the winter. We’ll explore eight possible reasons and how you can prepare your air conditioner for the spring and summer seasons. 8 Reasons Your AC Doesn’t Work After Winter 1. Tripped breaker or blown fuse Generally, the AC circuit… Read more »
When your hot water is too hot, it can cause harm in seconds or potentially break the water heater. We’ll discuss common reasons for the sudden temperature increase and how to change the thermostat on different water heaters. Reasons your water heater is getting too hot Broken Thermostat A water heater works the same as a heating and cooling system. Without the thermostat telling the heating element… Read more »
Hard water has been described as tasting like dirt or leaving a metallic after taste. While not the most appetizing descriptors, it is perfectly safe to drink. Here we’ll discuss how hard water forms, why it’s seen as a problem, and how it potentially affects your plumbing system. What is hard water? Hard water is mostly found in groundwater supplies since its water that travels over and through… Read more »
Lighting then relighting the pilot light on your furnace is a nuisance. Here are common reasons why it could be going out and steps you can take when it happens. What is a Pilot Light The pilot light is a small flame inside the combustion chamber of a gas-fueled furnace. When operating correctly, it stays lit thanks to a constant flow of gas from the gas valve. It ignites the burners when the thermostat… Read more »
Air vent placement isn’t something homeowners think about unless there’s an issue or they’re building or remodeling. But where the vents are located affects how well your home heats and cools. Let’s discuss the types of air vents in your home, pros and cons of their placement location, and whether it does matter in the scheme of things. Air Supply Register and Return Grill Basics Every HVAC system… Read more »
Pets and indoor plants indeed go together when you bring any of these plant-friendly varieties home. African Violet This tiny but magnificent plant is great for areas with indirect light, such as a kitchen table. But take care to keep it away from air vents and other drafty areas. The African violet needs regular indoor temperatures and humidity levels, plus regular fertilizer to bloom year-round. Baby’s… Read more »
Now that spring is here, it's time to switch off the heat during the day and turn the air-conditioning back on. But it's not unusual to notice a few strange HVAC smells when you turn it back on after the winter. Not sure what's causing the smell? Let's look at some of the most common reasons for those strange odors drifting through your home. Rotten Eggs The heating and air conditioning systems… Read more »
